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Motorcycle Safety Courses

Rider School motorcycle safety class participant

The Rider School at Howard Community College offers three motorcycle safety courses — tailored to match your ability and comfort level! All three of our motorcycle Safety courses are developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), taught by professional rider instructors, recognized and approved by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Let’s get you geared up for the ride of your life! If you are unsure of which class to register for, please email us at Ride@HowardCC.edu.

All Courses Include:

Online e-course: All courses require the completion of a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) e-course before the class meets. Completion of this course is mandatory and is a prerequisite for the rest of the course. Please complete the e-course at least one day prior to the first classroom session. Students will be emailed information to complete the course about 10 days before class starts.

Please provide a valid email address at time of registration to receive instructions to access the online e-course. If you do not receive instructions one week before your class starts, please call 443-518-4808. Please note that the time to complete the e-course depends on the student's pace.

In-person classroom: Each course offered through The Rider School has an in-person classroom session. Attendance is mandatory.

Range session(s): Each course will have dedicated riding hours on our range, taught by The Rider School instructors. Students must dress appropriately and bring their own riding gear (helmet, gloves, and eyewear) to range sessions — these items are not available for loan. Attendance is mandatory. For more information on gear requirements, please visit our FAQ page.

Absolute Beginner Basic Rider Course (ABC)

The Absolute Beginner Basic Rider Course offers smaller class sizes and more individualized instruction. If you're eager to learn to ride but feeling a bit apprehensive, this course is a perfect starting point. ABC students should be comfortable with balancing and riding a bicycle.

A five-hour Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) e-course is required prior to the first class; in-person sessions include one evening classroom session and two weekend range sessions.
Cost: $460 (includes $300 in fees*)

ABC Course Details & Essential Information
The Absolute Beginner Basic Rider Course (ABC) offers students a smaller class size with more individualized instruction and more range practice. Ample riding time allows practice controlling the clutch/throttle, stopping, turning, shifting, and avoiding crashes.

Students will learn the following skills:
- Safe riding
- Choosing a motorcycle and gear
- Riding skills
- Defensive riding strategies
- How to handle various riding situations
The ABC course requires the completion of a five-hour e-course before class meets and will prepare you for your first riding experience. The e-course covers topics like basic operation, preparing to ride, as well as some more advanced topics like risk and riding, and basic street strategies.

To receive the MVA Motorcycle Safety Program course completion certificate, you must attend all class sessions and pass written and riding evaluations. When you successfully complete this course, you meet the requirements for earning a Maryland (Class "M") Motorcycle License, and you will receive a regular Basic Rider Course completion card. MVA rules require that students who do not achieve minimum performance standards cannot continue. There are no refunds.

Classes are held rain or shine. Motorcycles are provided. Please read the MVA Licensing Rules before you register. There are specific clothing requirements for our classes that are mandated by the MVA. During registration, you will be asked to provide your driver's license number. You must also sign waivers of liability. Students must be at least 16 years and 3 months old to register for a course. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you to the first class to sign release and disclaimer forms. You must show proof that you are at least 16 years and 3 months old.

View Course Schedule & Register
Important Notes on Attendance & Policy
The Rider School courses adhere to the following attendance policies:
- MVA policy requires that students enrolled in motorcycle safety courses attend all classroom and range sessions, as specified in each course.
- All classes start promptly. If you are enrolled in a motorcycle safety course and are late or miss any class sessions, you cannot complete the course. You will be dismissed without a refund. No exceptions.
- Classes are held rain or shine; however, in extreme weather, classes may be postponed to the following weekend.

Basic Rider Course (BRC)

The Basic Rider Course is The Rider School’s most popular course. This course is a good fit for those who have never ridden a motorcycle, have limited riding experience, or have not ridden in a while. BRC students receive comprehensive safety information and road skills instruction. BRC students should be comfortable with balancing and riding a bicycle.

A five-hour Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) e-course is required prior to the first class; The Basic Rider Course is offered in either a 3-day or 2-day course. The 3-day session includes one evening classroom session and two weekend range sessions. The 2-day (weekday) session begins in the classroom (weather permitting) moves onto the range on day one and day two.
Cost: $345 (includes $300 in fees*)

BRC Course Details & Essential Information
The Basic Rider Course (BRC) offers students the most economical way to decide if motorcycling is right for you. Ample riding time allows practice controlling the clutch/throttle, stopping, turning, shifting, and avoiding crashes.

Students will learn the following skills:
- Safe riding
- Choosing a motorcycle and gear
- Riding skills
- Defensive riding strategies
- How to handle various riding situations
The BRC course requires the completion of a five-hour e-course before class meets and will prepare you for your first riding experience. The e-course covers topics like basic operation, preparing to ride, as well as some more advanced topics like risk and riding, and basic street strategies.

To receive the MVA Motorcycle Safety Program course completion certificate, you must attend all class sessions and pass written and riding evaluations. When you successfully complete this course, you meet the requirements for earning a Maryland (Class "M") Motorcycle License, and you will receive a regular Basic Rider Course completion card. MVA rules require that students who do not achieve minimum performance standards cannot continue. There are no refunds.

Classes are held rain or shine. Motorcycles are provided. Please read the MVA Licensing Rules before you register. There are specific clothing requirements for our classes that are mandated by the MVA. During registration, you will be asked to provide your driver's license number. You must also sign waivers of liability. Students must be at least 16 years and 3 months old to register for a course. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you to the first class to sign release and disclaimer forms. You must show proof that you are at least 16 years and 3 months old.

View Course Schedule & Register
Important Notes on Attendance & Policy
The Rider School courses adhere to the following attendance policies:
- MVA policy requires that students enrolled in motorcycle safety courses attend all classroom and range sessions, as specified in each course.
- All classes start promptly. If you are enrolled in a motorcycle safety course and are late or miss any class sessions, you cannot complete the course. You will be dismissed without a refund. No exceptions.
- Classes are held rain or shine; however, in extreme weather, classes may be postponed to the following weekend.

Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2)

The Basic Rider Course 2 is a shorter, more advanced version of the Basic Rider Course. This course is completed in just one day and is for those who just need to earn a license. This course is geared towards experienced riders with recent road experience who are trained in motorcycle safety and road skills. If you are unsure that you have the experience needed to take this course, or have not ridden in the last two years, it is strongly recommended that you take the Basic Rider Course.

A four-hour Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) e-course is required prior to class; the in-person session includes a combined classroom and range session.
Cost: $260 (includes $230 in fees*)

BRC 2 Course Details & Essential Information

The Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2) offers students a comprehensive license earning course and is designed for the more experienced rider with recent on road experience.

The BRC2 course requires the completion of a four-hour e-course before class meets and will prepare you for your first riding experience. Students may use our motorcycles or their own (properly registered) motorcycle. If using your own motorcycle, it must be approved by The Rider School instructor and must be brought to and from campus by a licensed motorcycle rider.

To receive the MVA Motorcycle Safety Program course completion certificate, you must attend the class session and pass written and riding evaluations. When you successfully complete this course, you meet the requirements for earning a Maryland (Class "M") Motorcycle License. MVA rules require that students who do not achieve minimum performance standards cannot continue. There are no refunds.

Classes are held rain or shine. Motorcycles are provided. Please read the MVA Licensing Rules before you register. There are specific clothing requirements for our classes that are mandated by the MVA. During registration, you will be asked to provide your driver's license number. You must also sign waivers of liability. Students must be at least 16 years and 3 months old to register for a course. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must come with you to the first class to sign release and disclaimer forms. You must show proof that you are at least 16 years and 3 months old.

View Course Schedule & Register
Important Notes on Attendance & Policy
The Rider School courses adhere to the following attendance policies:
- MVA policy requires that students enrolled in motorcycle safety courses attend all classroom and range sessions, as specified in each course.
- All classes start promptly. If you are enrolled in a motorcycle safety course and are late or miss any class sessions, you cannot complete the course. You will be dismissed without a refund. No exceptions.
- Classes are held rain or shine; however, in extreme weather, classes may be postponed to the following weekend.